In the interview, Bloomberg described de Blasio's campaign as "class-warfare and racist." When questioned about his use of the word "racist" by New York Magazine writer Chris Smith, Bloomberg immediately said, "Well, no, no," according to the latest version published by the magazine. Those three words were not included in the original version.

"The mayor's office asked us to amend the remarks to add an interjection that was inaudible in our audiotape of the interview, which was conducted over speakerphone. In our view the added words do not alter the meaning of the exchange as reflected in the published interview," the note said.

New York Magazine spokeswoman Lauren Starke declined to respond to a question from TPM about whether the magazine received an alternate recording of the interview to back up the addition of the three words, saying she did not "want to add anything to the note." Mayor Bloomberg's office declined to comment on record.

As initially reported, Bloomberg's comment made major waves in the election to replace him, which is in the home stretch ahead of Tuesday's crucial primary. The original version of the quote drew rebukes from de Blasio and all of the other major candidates.